Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:
- Identify problems
- Plan work procedures technical manuals
- Test parts and systems
- Follow checklists
- Perform basic care and maintenance
- Repair or replace worn parts
- Perform repairs to spec
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
Although service technicians work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drive belts, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components.
Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that consume alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.